CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 19 NO. 1 March 2013 The website is coming, the website is coming!!!! The above is a snapshot of how the new PTGA.org website will look. In an effort to improve the Association and experience for all our members, the Board has decided to completely redo our website. Nearly everything PTGA will be available through the web- site, including membership applications, meeting notices, and old newsletters. The change to the website is long overdue and we hope everyone will enjoy and utilize the website as we keep up with the technological times in the Association. There are some final details to be done, but look for the new website to be up and running in the next 2 weeks. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2013 After a very long winter it is good see signs of spring. This being the first newsletter of the new year I want to take the time to thank all of our participating vendors for their support in the past and future. PRESIDENT John Downer, Marjon GC 570-840-0078 The Pocono Turfgrass Association is very strong. The Board of Directors has worked very hard over the winter months; building a VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club new and easier to use website, setting up a tremendous meeting 570-384-4724 schedule, new formats and creative ideas. Feel free to contact any of TREASURER us if you have a suggestion. If any member has any great photos they Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton would like to share on our new website, please contact us. 570-587-4046 SECRETARY The meeting sites have been posted and it is a great line-up. Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 Be sure to attend and take home the wisdom that is gained. DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 John Downer Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 570-237-0878 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 James Gurzler, Green Valley Landscaping 570-592-2473 Editor’s Notes….. Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC 570-994-8270 Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Welcome to 2013, and a new season filled with renewed hope EDITOR and optimism for the industry which we love. I’m sure that all of us are Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. hoping for a great year as we tackle the tasks, challenges, defeats, 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com and victories that we will all certainly face. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize Matt Brown for all 570-388-2167 his years of service to the PTGA. Matt stepped down from the Board mmel500@aol.com after 9 years of service last fall. His energy and contributions over the PAST PRESIDENT years were invaluable to our Association and he deserves a big Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 “Thank You” from all of us on the Board. Additionally, I’d like to thank Patrick Knelly and Jim Gurzler for spearheading the initiative to update the website. It has been a lot of work and hours and I know that I for one will appreciate the new web- site. As always, I continue to look for pictures and articles from any- PTGA Office one who is willing to share. Thanks to Patrick Knelly for sending me the 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 link to one of this month’s articles, and to Steve Chirip and Dr. Mike Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Fidanza for providing more articles that will be in over the next several Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the months. I look forward to seeing you all soon. author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We Brian Bachman would appreciate a credit line. PagePage 3 3 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2013 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholarship. The dead- line for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in applying for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include what he or she feels their contribution to the turfgrass field will be. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. The Pocono Turfgrass Association Scholarship for Non-Turf Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting applications for a non-turfgrass related field of study scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2012. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in apply- ing for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year non-turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include information pertaining to field of study, educational achievement, and future goals with respect to utilization of his or her education. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. Applications should be submitted to: John Downer 461 Swartz Valley Road Springbrook, PA 18444 Scholarship Update 2012 There were no applicants for either of the PTGA scholarships offered in 2012, so therefore there was no recipient. 2013 We have had 1 applicant this year, Joseph Kohut, who has been awarded a scholarship from the Association. Joseph recently graduated from the two year program at Penn State. Details on Joe will be provided in upcoming newsletters. THERE ARE STILL SCHOLARSHIPS REMAINING, SO IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE, PLEASE TELL THEM. Page 4 5 Leadership Trees Every Leader Needs To Plant By: John Bossong posted on Turfnet A Chinese proverb states “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” You can’t do anything about 20 years ago. Today is different. You can do something about today. You can create the next 20 years. A good decision today (now) is better than a great decision later. You just need to commit to it and drive for- ward. Do something. Start. Until you decide the next 20 years can’t get started. What tree can you plant today? Get Past Your Past Everyone has a 20 years ago. The deal you didn’t do. The risk you didn’t take. The relationship you didn’t put enough time in. The failure you wouldn’t let happen. The degree you earned but the education you missed. The leadership opportunity you passed up. The family events you missed to climb the ladder. Today’s 20-years ago is now 6 months, 1year, 2 years and 5 years. Change is exponentially faster. It’s com- plex. The key is to simplify it. Make sense of it. Five years ago Twitter and Facebook were nothing. The tree grew. You can focus on the opportunities you’ve missed or you can plant today. Don’t let your past mistakes or missed opportunities dominate you. Don’t be trapped in the past or by it. Let it die so you can live. What trees do you need to plant today? #1 Self-Leadership This is a great tree. You may be 25 or 55. It doesn’t matter. Cultivate this tree. Plant it. Water it every day. Feed it. Nurture it. Invest in yourself. The return is huge. Leadership starts here. It’s the foundation. Selt-mastery is where leadership starts. Continued on Page 5 Page 5 Continued from Page 4 #2 Impact This tree makes a difference. Influence someone every day. Make an impact. Be a difference maker. The peo- ple you lead are always watching. It doesn’t matter what level you lead at. The impact tree doesn’t care about titles or positions. It cares about character, integrity and influence. Plant this tree today. #3 Servant The servant tree is one every leader needs to plant. Leaders serve. If you don’t serve you don’t lead. You control, dictate, intimidate or command but you don’t lead. Leaders serve with humility. #4 Knowledge What are you reading? Leaders are always learning and growing. Sit with this tree every day. Opportunities to get better are everywhere. Get better at leading and life. What leadership conferences are you signed up for? Who is your mentor? What leadership material are you soaking up? Leaders learn. #5 Communication Leaders are faced with information overload. The speed of change and information make communication more complex than ever before. The key is to simplify the complexity. Sounds difficult and it is. The great leaders simplify the message and process so everyone understands. 1. Simplify the message (vision). 2. Be authentic and genuine. 3. Communicate at the right time(s). 4. Repetition is a key. 5. Make sure all of your communication and behavior aligns with the vision. 6. Don’t assume people know and understand everything. They don’t. There is power in simplifying. It all starts with you. Your tree begins today. Pick a spot and plant it. Don’t wait. What tree do you need to work on? Page 6 2013 GCSAA Annual Meeting Results The GCSAA Annual Meeting was held Feb. 7 in San Diego, CA in conjunction with the GCSAA Education Confer- ence (Feb. 4-8) and Golf Industry Show (Feb. 6-7). Patrick R. Finlen, Director of Golf Maintenance Operations at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, CA was elected president. A graduate of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO, Finlen began his career in Kansas City at Lake Quivira Golf and Country Club, and has stops in Virginia and at the Bayonet and Black Horse Courses in Seaside, CA. He is a past recipient of the Superintendent of the Year Award from the GCSA of Northern California. A GCSAA member for 27 years, Finlen is a member and past president of both the California GCSA and the GCSA of Northern California. He is also a past president of the Heart of America GCSA. Keith A. Ihms at Country Club of Little Rock was elected Vice President, and John J. O'Keefe Director of Golf Course Management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Peter J. Grass at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, Mont., was re-elected to a two-year term, and Darren J. Davis at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Fla., was elected to a two-year term after serving a one year appointment last year. Newly elected to the Board was John R. Fulling Jr. at Kalamazoo Country Club. Bill H. Maynard, St. Alban’s Country Club in St. Louis, MO, and Rafael Barajas, at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, CA, remain on the Board with one year remaining in their two-year director terms. Sandy G. Queen, Man- ager of Golf Operations for the City of Overland Park, KS, will serve on the Board for one year as immediate past president. Robert M. Randquist from Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton, FL, retires from the Board after serving the last year as immediate past president. The vote totals are as follows: For President- Patrick R. Finlan ran unopposed and was unanimously elected. For Vice President- Keith A. Ihms ran unopposed and was unanimously elected. For Secretary/Treasurer- John J. O’Keefe 4,934 (elected) Peter J. Grass 3,217 For Director- Darren J. Davis 7736 (elected) Peter J. Grass 7508 (elected) John R. Fulling 4403 (elected) Mark F. Jordan 3265 Johnny Walker 1456 Also on the agenda was a dues increase which was passed by a vote of 7,022 to 990. As a service to our members and a way to say thank you…..all PTGA members will re- ceive their own Jo Dow hn bag tag to ner proudly display. PT Me GA mb er Page 7 PTGA DONATES TO THON The Pocono Turfgrass Association has made a donation to THON, which is the annual fundraising dance marathon done by the student body at Penn State. The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing out- standing emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund. This year, Thon raised over $12 million, and over all the years that the event has been ongoing has now broken the $100 million level. If you are interested in THON or donating please visit: www.thon.org Photo of the Month We all see interesting things every day….wildlife (like bald eagles and bears), strange turf problems (like a lightning strike), an employee who stayed out to late the night before, etc. So if you have a great photo, send it to me (bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com) and share it for everyone to enjoy (or laugh at). March Photo of the Month This photo was taken at Moselem Springs C.C. The superintendent and I had a sample of this all too common disease sent away and the diagnosis came back as “Stupid Punk Patch.” The cure is an evening treatment of fear by applying 2 local police officers per door- step of the local offending punk. Thankfully, the damage from this quad is mostly superficial and should grow out in the spring. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 EQUIPMENT PLANT PROTECTANTS Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 George Skawski 610.554.9366 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 FERTILIZER Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 SEED & SOD Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Profile Products LLC Dan Fick 610.562.0547 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP April 9th PTGA meeting @ Long Overdue Southmoore GC Congratulations Speaker: TBD to: May PTGA meeting @ Tom Height on the birth of his first Date Fox Hill C.C. son, John Patrick, on 10/21/2012. pending Speaker: TBD Greg Boring on the birth of his June 11th PTGA meeting @ third child, Cole Austin, on 11/27/2012. Pocono Manor GC Speaker: TBD Patrick Healy on tying the knot with wife Marissa on 11/2/2012. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 WEBSITE: ptga.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.